Knowledge Co-op: Programme Manager
Roshan Sonday was appointed in September 2022 as programme manager for the UCT Knowledge Co-op. She has more than 15 years’ experience working in a higher education environment in support of strengthening academic research excellence. Her core values reflect a commitment and passion for community and human development to alleviate deep physical and mental poverty brought about by historical disadvantage that is still perpetuated in present day.
More recently, her work as a volunteer in a non-profit organisation has provided further insights and greater awareness of the challenges faced by local communities as well as community-based organisations who are working on the ground. As part of her own self-development, she is an accredited training provider for Tension and Trauma Release Exercise (TRE) therapy – a journey that has helped her become aware of her own traumas, and to be more compassionate of others.
Knowledge Co-op: Social Responsiveness Administrative Assistant
Thina Tladi is a Social Responsiveness Administrative Assistant at the Knowledge Co-op, passionate about socially impactful projects. With a background in the arts, she has collaborated with diverse communities to drive positive change.
A former recipient of UCT mentorship programmes for disadvantaged students, Thina continues to focus on social impact. She has served in peer mentorship initiatives, supporting Humanities Extended Degree Programme students and helping disadvantaged Grade 11 and 12 learners aspiring to study Humanities.
Currently, Thina is involved in a community initiative mentoring rural artists and providing platforms to showcase their work addressing social issues. She also offers administrative support and business orientation to beneficiary artists.
Thina believes in using knowledge as a public good to advance social justice.
Knowledge Co-op: Web Specialist
Tendekai Tembo is the Web Specialist at the Knowledge Co-op since February 2024. Currently pursuing his BCom (Hons) in Information Systems at the University of Cape Town (UCT). Tendekai's role with us is an integral part of his Honours Outreach and Community Involvement Programme (HOCIP) project, fulfilling his university degree requirements through 30 hours of community service. With a background as an Orientation Assistant for international students and a Tutor for the Information Systems department at UCT, Tendekai brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our team. His passion lies in cybersecurity and its potential impact on developing countries.
NRF Study Team for Knowledge Co-op Pilot from 2010-2013
An interdisciplinary team, led by principal investigator Janice McMillan (CHED) and Evaluation expert Suki Goodman (Organisational Psychology), received a 3-year grant from the National Research Foundation (NRF) to evaluate the UCT Knowledge Co-op and inform the development of guidelines and procedures. Other team members were Judy Favish, Barbara Schmid, Sonwabo Ngcelwane of the IPD and Tanja Winkler (EBE).
During 2011 five pilot projects were selected as research sites and a comprehensive literature review was completed. During 2012 the collection of data from further project sites continued and analysis of data got underway; this was completed in 2013.
Outputs: Two reports were produced at the end of the project in 2013 - one internal and one for the public. A paper was presented at the Living Knowledge conference in Bonn during May 2012 and a poster at the GUNI Conference, Barcelona, May 2013. In 2016 an article was published in the Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement. All outputs are available on the Resources page.